Well, it's nearly impossible to tell from an Internet post what has happened and how severe it is. Anyone posting can just offer an opinion. A vet can draw blood and run a blood panel to check calcium levels and/or take x-rays to see if bone loss is occurring.

OK, so you can look at the diet. The ideal calcium to phosphorous ratio is 1.5 or 2:1. Ground beef has 1:15 (totally backwards), mealworms are 1:25, bananas are 1:3, and whole prey is right on target. Any food that is below the ideal range needs to be supplemented with calcium that does not contain phosphorous or phosphates. Some contain dicalcium phosphate...not good.

Next is the UV source. A good UV source is a mercury vapor bulb or a long fluorescent tube in a 10.0 strength. A MVB should bed at least 12" or more away from the basking spot, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. On the other hand, a fluorescent UV needs to be within 6-10" of the lizard and there needs to be no obstructions such as screens or covers. Fluorescents also need to be replaced every 6 months.

Temperature is the final part of the equation. If the temperature is too low, then the lizard's overall metabolism is low. Without a proper basking temp, he cannot go through the ViT D and calcium processes regardless of other things that may be right.

Tremors can be from low plasma calcium, some owners report Colombians exposed to cold experience tremors, and neurological problems such as chemical exposure can cause tremors. A vet exam can help determine the cause of shaking.

If it is a MBD type of issue, a vet can prescribe injections or oral calcium glubionate that is absorbed more readily than powder. A mercury vapor bulb or natural sunlight can help provide quality UVB.

Good luck to you and your tegu! Keep us posted...

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]